At a Glance

Wake up to the serene sound of the trickling spring, the melodies of songbirds during a week of rejuvenation at Sunrise Springs Spa Resort. Begin each day with gentle yoga, meditation or a nature walk, followed by a healthy breakfast. Then spend your days with a community of supportive women taking part in activities that explore culinary arts, expressive art and animal interactions. Learn the history of healing practices in northern New Mexico, including those of Native American medicine men, Spanish and Mexican curanderos, Tibetans, Buddhists and more. And explore the city of Santa Fe and its historic district, museums, shops and galleries both with the group and on your own.

Activity Level

Outdoor: No Sweat

Gentle yoga and nature and city walks.

Small Group

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 10 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you'll ...

Enjoy free time throughout the week to choose from activities like mindfulness and meditation, fitness training or animal interactions or to enjoy a massage or facial treatment at your leisure.

Help train adorable puppies to become service dogs with Assistance Dogs of the West or care for and observe the Silkie chickens that live on-site at the resort.

Further your enrichment with a field trip to the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture and the Museum of International Folk art as you explore indigenous art from pottery and jewelry to masks and furniture.

Featured Expert

All Experts

Darla Swanson

Darla Swanson worked 32 years in the Chicago Public Schools as a high school English teacher, school psychologist and administrator. In 2006, she retired and moved to Santa Fe, where she volunteers with the Santa Fe Public Schools and at a local non-profit homeless shelter in town.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Some of the best work of Jack Parsons, a longtime and accomplished Southwest photographer, is compiled in this full-color coffee table book. Parsons presents the rugged landscapes and the people of New Mexico, exploring religious iconography, far-flung ranches, small towns and wide open spaces.

Portrait of an Artist, A Biography of Georgia O'Keeffe

by Laura Lisle

Lisle shows how O'Keeffe was both changed and inspired by her Southwestern surroundings in this insightful biography of Georgia O'Keeffe.

New Mexico, A History

by Joseph P. Sanchez

This cooperative effort between three native New Mexicans is the first complete history of New Mexico. It charts the state’s development from 16th-century Spanish colony to frontier province, from its 1912 American statehood to a hub of (often classified) scientific research. A vital source for anyone seeking to understand the complex history of the West.

The Southwest Table, Traditional Cuisine from Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona

by Dave DeWitt

Expert on chili peppers and spicy foods, Dave DeWitt (aka "the Pope of Peppers") blends Southwestern culinary history with 130 authentic recipes and cooking techniques in this tantalizing collection of fiery, flavorful dishes from Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.

Moon Handbook New Mexico

by -

This comprehensive guide is packed not only with travel necessities (hotels, restaurants, sights), but also with a good overview of history, culture and destinations throughout New Mexico.

Ancient Peoples of the American Southwest

by Stephen Plog, Amy Elizabeth Grey (Illustrator)

This illustrated introduction provides an in-depth look at the ancient cultures that first inhabited the pueblos and cliff dwellings of the American Southwest. Organized chronologically, it features hundreds of maps, mostly black-and-white photographs and site diagrams.

New Mexico Wildlife, An Introduction to Familiar Species

by James Kavanagh

A handy fold-up card featuring color illustrations of common plants, animals and reptiles of New Mexico.

Infusions of Healing: A Treasury of Mexican-American Herbal Remedies

by Joie Davidow

A history of herbal remedies and medicines developed by the Aztecs and other Native American tribes, many still used in Mexican-American households today. Includes hundreds of herbal treatments.

The Spell of New Mexico

by Tony Hillerman (Editor)

A selection of 12 thoughtful essays on the New Mexico state of mind by great writers, including C.G. Jung, Mary Austin, D.H. Lawrence and Lawrence Clark Powell. Hillerman succeeds in communicating the lure of the desert Southwest in this wonderful, literate introduction to the state.

National Geographic Field Guide to Birds, Arizona & New Mexico

by Jonatha Alderfer (Editor)

A pocket guide to the birds of Arizona and New Mexico, featuring a two-page spread for each species with a clear color photograph, a range map and excellent descriptions of field marks, behavior, habitat and viewing sites.

Edge of Taos Desert, An Escape to Reality

by Mabel Dodge Luhan

First published in 1937, this story reveals the spiritual awakening the New York socialite experienced through Taos, the Pueblo Indians and Indian Tony Luhan, whom she later married.

Grandmothers of the Light: A Medicine Woman's Sourcebook

by Paula Gunn Allen

Originating from the creation myths of Native American cultures across the continent, these 21 goddess stories are written with obvious affection and an emphasis on the power of nature and the feminine.

Enchantment and Exploitation, The Life and Hard Times of a New Mexico Mountain Range

An accessible guide to the diverse plant communities of the Pueblo people.

Garden in the Dunes

by Leslie Marmon Silko

Our narrator, a precocious girl named Indigo from a nearly extinct Native American tribe, is adopted by a well-intentioned rich naturalist and his depressed wife. A thematically rich novel that illuminates the ways the two cultures interact with nature.

Afternoon: Program Registration: After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, to get your welcome packet containing your name-tag, up-to-date schedule and other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet at the front desk when you check in. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Transportation for program-related activities will be via motorcoach unless specified otherwise. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Please be aware that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: At the resort restaurant, we will enjoy a plated meal including soup or salad, seasonal entrées, dessert, including a glass of wine or beer, coffee, tea and water; additional beverages available for purchase.

Evening: We’ll take the rest of the evening to continue getting to know our fellow participants, relax, and get a good night’s sleep for the full day ahead.

DAY

2

Yoga or Nature Walk, Spirituality in NM, Group Activities

Santa Fe, N.M.

B,L

Sunrise Springs Spa Resort

Activity note: Walking up to two miles over the course of the day over varied terrain with inclines. Our morning begins with a choice of yoga or nature walk before breakfast.

Morning: The morning begins with our choice of yoga or a nature walk, followed by breakfast. After breakfast, in our hotel meeting room, our group leader will present the history of healing practices in the area. Since early Native American civilizations spread throughout the Southwest, there have been medicine men and shamans; when the Spanish and Mexicans arrived in the 1500s, curanderos and curanderas came with them and shared their knowledge of herbs and other healing methods. With the influx of other cultures, additional groups brought their own healing methods and techniques. Today, the area boasts very contemporary practices brought by different religious groups, cultural groups and individuals; all seem to exist together in relative peace and harmony. After the lecture, we'll have the opportunity to choose from one of the many activities offered including animal interactions, mindfulness and meditation and fitness training.

Lunch: At the resort restaurant, we will enjoy a plated meal. Iced tea, coffee and water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: After lunch, we'll enjoy a series of group activities involving horticulture, expressive arts, a culinary adventure or one of the many other dynamic offerings at the resort. Following our group activity, there will be some time to enjoy another activity or just enjoy the peace and serenity of the resort.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

3

Yoga or Nature Walk, Downtown Santa Fe

Santa Fe, N.M.

B

Sunrise Springs Spa Resort

Activity note: Walking up to two miles over the course of the day over varied terrain with inclines. Our morning begins with a choice of yoga or nature walk before breakfast.

Breakfast: Resort restaurant buffet.

Morning: The morning begins with our choice of yoga or a nature walk, followed by breakfast. We'll then board our motorcoach, and drive into Santa Fe. We'll head out on foot to explore Santa Fe's Plaza area, the historic heart of the city. We'll visit the impressive Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, the intriguing Loretto Chapel, and other sites.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Afternoon: Free time. The motorcoach will return to the resort at 5:00 p.m., or you can choose to remain in town for dinner and take the final motorcoach at 8:00 p.m.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Evening: Once back to the resort, we'll have the rest of the evening to explore some of the optional activities offered, get to know our fellow participants, or just relax.

DAY

4

Yoga or Nature Walk, Culinary & Expressive Art Experiences

Santa Fe, N.M.

B,L,D

Sunrise Springs Spa Resort

Activity note: Gentle yoga class or walk; standing during the art and culinary experiences. Our morning begins with a choice of yoga or nature walk before breakfast.

Breakfast: Resort restaurant buffet.

Morning: The morning begins with our choice of yoga or a nature walk, followed by breakfast. After breakfast, we will enjoy a group activity involving the culinary arts and expressive art, split into two groups and then swap.

Lunch: Plated resort restaurant meal.

Afternoon: Following lunch, we will enjoy another group activity around animal interactions involving either Silkie chickens or puppies. We may choose individually to experience the joy of playing with puppies, and helping train these adorable bundles to become future services dogs. Sunrise Springs are proud partners with Assistance Dogs of the West (ADW), an organization that has served the community for over 20 years. We may also choose to play with Silkies. These fluffy Silkie chickens live on-site at the resort. Through caring for, observing, and interacting with the chickens, we can gain insight into our own and others’ behaviors, roles, and communication styles. The chickens also provide opportunities to slow down, reflect, and practice new skills. And simply, they really are just fun to watch!

Dinner: Plated resort restaurant meal.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

5

Yoga or Nature Walk, Group Activity, Museum Hill

Santa Fe, N.M.

B,L,D

Sunrise Springs Spa Resort

Activity note: Gentle yoga class or walk; standing during the group experiences and during free time. Our morning begins with a choice of yoga or nature walk before breakfast.

Breakfast: Resort restaurant buffet.

Morning: The morning begins with our choice of yoga or a nature walk, followed by breakfast. After breakfast, we will have time to join in any of the activities offered by the resort.

Lunch: At a local favorite, we can order traditional New Mexican food off the menu. Iced tea, coffee and water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: After lunch, we will depart for Museum Hill for visits to the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture and the Museum of International Folk Art. The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture features pottery, jewelry, sculpture, baskets, and other objects made by Native Americans from the earliest times to modern day, scrupulously documented and beautifully displayed. Most of the work is from the Southwest. The Museum of International Folk Art continues to focus on indigenous populations from around the world through their art – ranging from ceremonial dress and masks to furniture. The museum hosts the largest collection of international folk art in the world, including wings featuring some of the 106,000 pieces. The motorcoach will return to the resort at 5:00 p.m.

Dinner: Plated resort restaurant meal.

Evening: We’ll share stories as we enjoy our last evening at leisure. Prepare for checkout tomorrow.

DAY

6

Program Concludes

Santa Fe, N.M.

B

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon.

Breakfast: Resort restaurant buffet. This concludes our program.

Morning: We hope you enjoy all your Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. We encourage you to join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Meals

11 Meals

5 Breakfasts

3 Lunches

3 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Low Salt, Low Fat, Gluten Free

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

Sunrise Springs is Santa Fe’s only destination spa, with 70 tranquil acres of gardens, walking paths and scenic high desert landscape surrounding the historic spring-fed waters. The resort’s serene guest rooms, art and fitness studios as well as its spa facilities fuse native and contemporary design influences with subtle touches of the Southwest to embody the expansive texture and tones of the desert.